Auburn running backs coach, former interim head coach Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams resigns

Auburn running backs coach Carnell ‘Cadillac’ Williams has resigned from the program, he announced in a statement on Thursday night. Williams has been on the Plains for the past five seasons and is most well-known for taking over as the interim head coach after firing Bryan Harsin.

“After taking time to pray and reflect, I have made the decision to resign from my position with Auburn football to pursue other opportunities,” Williams said. “I love Auburn, the players and AU family with all my heart, but this decision is what is best for me, my wife and sons. I am extremely grateful for the coaching opportunity given to me first by Coach Malzahn and most recently by Coach Freeze. These past five years on the Plains have been nothing short of incredible.

“Auburn is and always will be a special part of my life.”

Williams was hired back during the Gus Malzhan era, joining the Tigers back in 2019. He was kept through the transition to Harsin, being a legendary player of the program. Tank Bigsby was the lone Auburn running back drafted under Williams’ watch.

However, he will best be remembered for the latter stages of the 2022 season. Harsin was fired following a loss to Arkansas and Auburn decided to name Williams the interim coach for the final four games. They were able to win two of those, including against Texas A&M in front of an incredible Jordan-Hare Stadium crowd.

Freeze credited Williams for getting Auburn through a difficult stretch. He went on to wish the now-former Auburn staffer well in future endeavors.

“We are incredibly appreciative of Carnell and what he’s done for the Auburn football program during his time on the coaching staff,” Freeze said in his own statement. “He led Auburn through a time of transition and is one of the program’s all-time greats. I know this wasn’t easy for him, but I respect his decision and wish him nothing but the best.”

Freeze has multiple different staff roles to fill this offseason, including both coordinator spots. According to Justin Hokanson of On3’s Auburn Live, he expects Auburn’s next offensive coordinator to be the running backs coach. Freeze is expected to be the one calling plays during the 2024 season.

“Hugh Freeze will move forward and continue to build his staff in his vision,” Hokanson said via X. “I’d expect the next OC to also coach running backs.”